by Jennifer Kretschmer, AIA
With the current architect billing index trending downward in some markets and inquiries and backlog decreasing, architects may consider other ways to earn an income. So, what are some possible ways for an architect and firms to diversify their income and build financial resilience?
One promising avenue is passive income: revenue that continues to generate with minimal active involvement. Architects’ unique creativity, use of digital tools, and niche expertise present a real opportunity in the growing global market for design related content.
Let’s look at a few products architects can create and the methods they can use to turn those products into passive income.
Digital Products
Digital products are the most scalable passive income streams. Once created, they can be sold repeatedly with minimal overhead. Such products could be:
- CAD Blocks and 3D Models: Architects can create libraries of high-quality CAD blocks or 3D models for use in Revit, SketchUp. or other BIM/CAD platforms.
- Architecture Templates: Templates for design presentations, project proposals, construction documents, cost estimation, cash flow spreadsheets can be highly valuable to other architects, freelancers, and small firms.
- Revit Families & BIM Object: Create reusable Revit families or BIM objects with parametric functionality can appeal to firms looking to save time on creating these on their own.
- Design Guides & Books: Write up guides on topic like sustainable design, architectural detailing, portfolio creation, business processes, AI, or passing licensing exams. An architect can also write “how to” guides, client/owner resources, and monographs that would appeal to the broader public or potential clients.
- Online Courses & Webinars: Teach what you know. Create courses on design theory, workflows for residential design, running a practice, etc. The list of the knowledge base of architects is abundant. Choose a niche you wish to share with the world.
Physical Products:
Though less scalable than digital products, physical goods can still offer recurring revenue, especially when they are automated for online purchase or drop-shipped.
Architecture Inspired Art & Prints: Sell images of your construction documents and renderings, hand drawn sketches, illustrations on t-shirts, posters, art prints, scarves, coffee mugs, shopping bags, or enamel pins. The list is nearly endless on what you can put your images on and sell. Platforms like Etsy and Society6 are already set up to help artists sell those items.
Custom Furniture, Lighting or Other Product Designs: Sell your designs to bespoke furniture makers, lighting, or home décor companies. You can partner with local makers or use 3D printing and CNC services.
Branded Stationery or Office Supplies: Have you created the ideal, well-designed planner, sketchbook, or other item that you can’t live without in your architectural practice? Share and sell it to other architects and designers.
Software & Tools
You may need to partner with a developer if you have a great idea and no coding skills. But a few ideas include:
- Plugins or Scripts: Tools that improve workflows in architectural practice. This is how companies like Monograph and BQE Core launched.
- Calculators and Analysis Tools: Energy analysis, sustainability checklists, daylighting analysis tools, space planning. Is there a secret sauce created in the office that could produce income if released to other firms?
Methods to Sell and Monetize Products You Created
Digital Marketplaces
Leverage existing platforms with built-in audiences:
- Etsy – Great for selling prints, templates, and digital guides.
- Gumroad / Sellfy – Simple platforms for selling digital products directly to your audience.
- TurboSquid / CGTrader – Ideal for 3D models.
- Autodesk App Store – Sell plugins or extensions for Autodesk software.
- Udemy / Skillshare – Host online courses for a wide audience.
Your Own Website or Online Store
Set up a professional website using Shopify, Squarespace, or WordPress + WooCommerce. This gives you more control and better branding. Use your website to:
- Sell digital products directly
- Offer free downloads in exchange for email signups
- Create a portfolio that subtly promotes your products
Email Marketing
Build a newsletter to share tips, updates, and promotions. Offer a free download (e.g., "10 Free CAD Blocks" or “Revit Cheat Sheet”) to attract subscribers. Tools available include: ConvertKit, Mailchimp, or Substack.
Social Media and Content Marketing
Use Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or YouTube to showcase your design process, tutorials, or product benefits. These platforms are particularly good for visually compelling content. Such as:
- Short form video tutorials
- Time-lapse design workflows
- Behind-the-scenes of product creation
- Podcast
Affiliate Marketing
If you already have an audience, you can earn passive income by recommending architectural tools, books, or courses through affiliate links. Platforms available include Amazon Associates, Envato Market, or niche-specific affiliate programs.
Licensing & Royalties: Instead of selling your product outright, you can license your designs to companies or platforms and earn royalties over time. Examples:
- License your architectural illustrations to stock image sites like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock.
- License BIM objects to manufacturers or product libraries.
Examples of Passive Income Created by Architects
There is precedent for products that create passive income for architects. Here are a few examples of creators and their content:
Drawing Templates by Eric Reinhart, 30x40 Design Workshop: https://thirtybyforty.com/drawing-templates
Online Course by Jennifer Kretschmer and Leah Bayer: https://practiceofarchitecture.com/virtualpractice/
T-Shirts and Stencils by Katelyn Parker, Bungalow Roots: https://www.bungalowroots.com/store
Affiliate Marketing by Chris Novelli, N3Architecture: https://www.n3architecture.com/recommended-books (Includes books written by architects)
There are so many options for a creative mind to create passive income streams. It takes upfront work to get started, but for architects, the opportunities are rich and diverse. Whatever stage you are in your architectural career from emerging professional to seasoned architect or firm owner, you can tap into the digital economy by packaging your knowledge and creativity into products that continue to earn while you sleep.
The key for anyone is to start small, stay consistent, and listen to your audience. For some, what starts as a side hustle could become a significant source of income or grow to a new business. But for most, it’s a way to add a small supplement to their overall income.
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Jennifer Kretschmer, AIA, NCARB, LEED Green Associate, founded J. Kretschmer Architect in 2003. Her firm has been virtual since 2008. Jennifer spoke at the AIA’19 Conference on Architecture and 2019 CRAN Symposium about the virtual firm. She is the founding CRAN chairperson of the AIA Silicon Valley and was the 2021 AIA Silicon Valley President. She serves on AIACA Practice Management Committee, AIACA Housing Steering Committee, and AIA Practice Management Knowledge Community Advisory Council.
(Return to the cover of the January 2026 PM Digest)